SYNTHESIZING GHAZALI AND RAHMAN: A HUMANISTIC FOUNDATION FOR ISLAMIC EDUCATION TODAY

Abstract

This study explores the humanization of Islamic education through a synthesis of Al-Ghazali's and Fazlur Rahman's philosophical contributions, aiming to conceptualize the "contemporary holistic individual" or insan paripurna. The scope encompasses classical and modern Islamic thought on education, focusing on spiritual, intellectual, and ethical development. The objective is to bridge historical perspectives with contemporary needs, addressing gaps in holistic education amid secular influences. Employing a qualitative literature-based methodology, primary sources such as Al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din and Fazlur Rahman's Islam and Modernity were analyzed, alongside secondary interpretations. Key findings reveal Al-Ghazali's emphasis on spiritual purification (tazkiyah) for inner harmony, complemented by Rahman's contextual hermeneutics (tafsir ma'nawi) for adaptive ethical reasoning. The synthesis proposes an integrated educational framework that fosters balanced human growth, integrating faith, reason, and social responsibility. Conclusions suggest that this model can revitalize Islamic education to produce resilient, empathetic individuals in a globalized world, with implications for curriculum reform in madrasas and universities.